Gordon U/12 Gold - Round 11

In training leading up to the much awaited T20 game the team focused on a couple of important points these included

- All balls can be scored from- Backing up and calling are critical- Challenging the fielder is fun- When fielding every player is in the game every ball- Good catching and throwing will change the game

So it was with much excitement that the Golds met Lindfield Chappell at Allan Small Oval scene of the Golds under 10 grand final victory and a ground where the Golds have never been beaten in 8 matches'a veritable fortress!!!

Chappell won the toss and sent us in and it was clear from the get go that the Golds meant business. Both Campbell (5ret) and Jo (21 ret) set us on the way with smart running and clever placement. Coxy (20 ret) including a massive six attacked at every opportunity, building on the great start. Jack (2) was unlucky falling trying to push the score along as were Callum (3) and Rory. Charlie W (20 ret) was a mini version of David Hookes plundering boundaries at will. Alex (17 ret) cut and drove beautifully through the offside and the Golds were on the march! Tay (11 ret) and Gen (11 ret) combined in a dashing display of shot making and running which brought roars from the large Lord's Tavererner's Day crowd. Henry (9) backed up last weeks great form and only fell pushing for a second run ' great work Henry team before self! Mitch (2) brought a huge cheer with his perfectly executed reverse sweep, before also being run out.

The aggressive selfless play of the whole team meant that both Jo and Campbell got back to the wicket for the final over and both maintained the pressure seeing us through to a massive 5/145 off our 20 overs.

The Golds took the field in their special 'baggies for a day' however the Chappell's were not intimidated and set off at a rapid rate racing to 45 off 5 overs. However the introduction of Alex (3 for 5 off 2) did the trick bowling their opener and then deceiving the next batsmen for Callum to hold a beautiful catch at mid off. This was the signal for the fired up Jack (3 for 6 off 2) to castle the next batsmen and then hold onto a brilliant caught and bowled reducing the Chappells to 4/67 at the half way mark swinging the game back in the Golds favour. Catching was once again proving the difference.

After drinks the fielding was fantastic. Both Rory and Taylor made chances out of shots that I doubt any other teams would have got to and the throwing was first class. Henry(1 for 12 off 2) struck the first blow with a wicket straight after the break, and a fabulous piece of keeping saw Gen achieve a stumping after Alex lured the batsmen down the pitch! Campbell(1 for 5 off 2) was in his pomp steaming in from the northern end, and was rewarded with a wicket. This left their strongest batsmen to return to the crease to face the ever reliable Jack. A ball full of length, was met with a lovely lofted straight drive down the ground, looking for the six needed to keep the game alive. As the crowd watched the ball sail down the ground, Alex calmly moved to his right. This was a vital moment in the game, would all of our catching practice be rewarded? As the ball began its arc back to earth Callum sensibly pulled back, leaving Alex to casually pouch an excellent outfield catch! With 3 overs remaining and over 50 runs needed the task was too great for the brave men of Lindfield and they finished at 8/104.

A great game, with the depth of the Golds on show as 6 batsmen reached double figures and no bowler bowled more than 2 overs, sharing the load right across the team. A great team effort.

Highlights:

Excellent batting throughout the order

Aggressive running between the wickets by all batsmen

Batsmen playing for the team

Fantastic catching , that is what wins games

Enthusiastic fielding

This brings to close a wonderful first half of the season where the Golds have been successful in all of their matches. Importantly the team continues to improve, which makes it a delight to be involved.

Our first game back is Saturday January 29 so everyone should be available for that game.

Thanks to Tim and James for umpiring and Steve for scoring. After the excitement of last week it was great to see the return of the good old orange.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas/New Year, and hopefully the Australians will bounce back and claim the Ashes!